Additional Coverage:
- I ordered the cheapest breakfast combo at Denny’s and IHOP. The food was similar, but the prices were not. (businessinsider.com)
Denny’s vs. IHOP: A Tale of Two Breakfasts
In my quest for the best breakfast bang for my buck, I recently conducted a highly scientific experiment: I ordered the same basic breakfast – two pancakes, two eggs, two sausages – at both Denny’s and IHOP. My findings were surprising, to say the least.
Round 1: Denny’s
Arriving at a near-empty Denny’s in Queens at 7 a.m. on a weekday, I ordered the Everyday Value Slam. The pancakes were enormous, fluffy, and pleasantly bready, though a tad light on the butter.
The sausages, however, were miniature, disappearing in a single bite (or two, if you’re feeling dainty). My over-medium eggs were cooked to perfection.
The real shocker? The entire meal, including a 22% tip, cost a mere $9.28.
Round 2: IHOP
The following day, I found myself at an IHOP on Long Island, slightly earlier at 6:20 a.m. The same breakfast order arrived on a single plate (unlike Denny’s, where the massive pancakes demanded their own).
IHOP’s pancakes were smaller and sweeter than Denny’s, served with a mountain of butter. The sausages were significantly larger than Denny’s, and less salty.
The eggs, again, were cooked perfectly. The price?
A hefty $15.20 before tip, ultimately costing me $18.20.
The Verdict: Timing is Everything
The quality of the food at both restaurants was nearly identical. However, the price difference was staggering.
As it turns out, my IHOP visit fell just outside their “House Faves” deal, which offers similar meals for $6-$7 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Had I arrived just 40 minutes later, my IHOP breakfast would have been half the price.
While I appreciate paying a premium for convenience in certain situations, the IHOP pricing felt unfair. For early-morning breakfast-seekers, Denny’s clearly offers superior value. But if you can wait until 7 a.m., IHOP might be worth a second look.